Soldiers Arrest Suspected IPOB Nurse And Top Fighter In South-East Raid

Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected nurse accused of providing medical assistance to wounded members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria’s South-East region. The military also apprehended Simon Chukwumeoru Akpoke, alias Iron, a suspected IPOB/ESN fighter, at his hideout in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State.

According to a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, Miss Ezinna Anthonia was detained on March 31 in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, following credible intelligence regarding the movements of a high-profile IPOB/ESN member. The suspect reportedly admitted to being the primary nurse responsible for treating wounded IPOB/ESN fighters during clashes with security forces and confirmed her membership in the proscribed group.

Onoja noted that the arrest was further corroborated when Ngozi Orabueze, described as the self-styled prime minister of the group, shared Anthonia’s photograph on her social media, inadvertently confirming her affiliation. The Defence spokesperson said the arrests deal a significant blow to the medical and logistical support networks sustaining IPOB/ESN operations in the South-East.

Akpoke, listed among wanted individuals in the 82 Division Area of Responsibility, was captured on March 29 following intelligence about his location. In related operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intercepted a truck transporting three illegal miners with suspected black sand in Eastern Obolo, Akwa Ibom State, on March 29. On March 30, an illegal crude oil refining site was uncovered in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West, Rivers State, resulting in the recovery of 10,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and associated refining equipment.